Gilks craves No.1 spot

Matthew Gilks did his chances of remaining first choice at Blackpool no harm against Swansea.

By Richard Bailey

Last Updated: 26/10/09 10:51am

Matthew Gilks did his chances of remaining first choice at Blackpool no harm at all after a superb display against Swansea.

The goalkeeper signed from Norwich in the summer but has had to play second fiddle behind Paul Rachubka for the majority of the season.

But the 27-year-old was given his chance after Rachubka was dropped following the 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace earlier this month.

It seems the former Rochdale trainee has taken his opportunity with both hands with the shot-stopper yet to concede in three games, with the pick of his performances coming at the weekend having helped a below-par Seasiders to a 0-0 draw against the Swans.

"When I'm given a chance to play I've got to grasp it with both hands," he said.

"Hopefully I've shown the gaffer what I'm about. Someone told me (Swansea boss) Paulo Sousa was praising me after the game. It was great to hear that.

"My gaffer (Ian Holloway) said 'well done' to me in the dressing room. But that's as far as he went. We weren't at our best so he wasn't in a brilliant mood.

"I've had enough of being second choice. I'm 27 and I want to be playing week in, week out.

"I want to be the No.1 goalkeeper at this club. That was my aim when I signed in the summer."